Polymer notes: A Better Alternative?

Plastic notes are a much better alternative to paper, especially in tropical climates. They are more durable and remain cleaner for a longer time. Additionally, recycling plastic is also not an issue. However, there seem to be some disadvantages associated with the use of polymer notes too. They are slippery and harder to fold and burning them releases pollutants in the air.

• Polymer notes last more than twice as long as paper notes, and cost less to produce over their lifetime, but they also have some disadvantages
• They used to be harder to counterfeit than paper notes, though paper notes have now caught up
• Disadvantages include being unfoldable and more slippery
• Central bankers are conservative and risk averse - and are waiting to see whether their counterparts in other countries embrace plastic first

Source: BBC News